A little bit of Mexican from Okinawa

There are a lot of things that I miss about the states. Although many things are not as intensely yearned for as in the past, there are some things that remain high on my desire list.  For me, food is one of those things that I miss very, very much.  Part of it is the flavor, but another part is the comradery that comes from whipping things up in the kitchen and sitting around the table with friends.  When I bite into something flavorful, I often recall happy memories connected to loved ones and special experiences. 

Mexican food has always been high on my list of loved cuisines.  When I was little, my dad would take me out for my birthday - just the two of us.  I would often choose Mexican food for our little celebratory dinner.  Later in life, I had an amazing neighbor that we often dined with.  Dinners together were so fun as my son tore through a pile of homemade tortillas and we laughed the evening away.

I often yearn for Mexican food.  The flavors are so fulfilling to me and brings me a sense of joy. 

While most people do not think of Mexican and Japanese cuisines and having anything in common, there is one region in Japan that has a very popular Mexican inspired dish in their repertoire.  Taco rice is basically taco meat piled on rice and topped with shredded lettuce and salsa.  It is found all over Okinawa, as well as Okinawan restaurants around Japan.

I have seen taco rice several places around Tokyo.  Sometimes the dish can remind me a bit too much like Taco Bell and not enough like cocina de la abuela (Spanish for grandmother's kitchen).  The first leaves me with an upset stomach, but the latter brings me joy.

Hamonica Quina in Kichijoji is known for excellent taco rice (they also have a reputation for good Okinawan noodles). 

We walked into the small restaurant knowing exactly what we wanted.  We ordered a regular size taco rice with avocado and cheese.  My husband was excited to see they had A&W root beer on the menu as well.  Root beer is not popular in Japan because it reminds many people of Japanese medicine. 

Our root beer was served first and our son was able to taste the American treat for the very first time.  He loved it and begrudgingly shared the rest of the beverage.

As soon as the taco rice was placed on the table, we dug right in.  Even my husband, who swears he does not miss Mexican food whatsoever, ate bite after bite.  After my first bite, I stopped and closed my eyes.  Even with the swap of rice for tortillas, the flavor was right and filled me with emotion.  The only thing off was the very tomato-y salsa.  Note to self - next time I should just bring my own. 

While in Japan, I have tried a couple different Mexican restaurants.  They have been disappointment after disappointment.  This one wasn't even a Mexican restaurant and it fulfilled my yearning.  It was nothing like dinner at my neighbor's house, but it was darn good and made me happy.